Scottish Government accused of rushing legislation on fireworks

The Scottish Government has faced accusations of attempting to rush legislation on the sale of fireworks through the Parliament.

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill, which would see a restriction on the public’s use of such items, was discussed in Holyrood yesterday.

Community safety minister, Ash Regan, introduced the proposals in the chamber, telling MSPS that the Bill was intended to balance the enjoyment of firework displays with the need to protect the public from harm or upset.

The proposed legislation includes a licensing scheme and training for those buying fireworks, and would limit the times and areas they can be used in.

It would also see the sale of fireworks only taking place for 37 days of the year, on dates surrounding major events such as Bonfire Night, Hogmanay and Diwali.

“There’s no question that there is a strong desire to see a fundamental shift in Scotland’s relationship with fireworks and pyrotechnic articles, and this Bill is just part of our journey towards achieving this,” Ms Regan said.

While MSPS across all parties generally agreed with the need to bring in control measures, it was widely suggested that the timeframe for scrutinising the Bill was not satisfactory.

Labour MSP, Pauline Mcneill, said that while she stood by the belief that action is required, she would not have backed the proposals at the committee stage had she been aware of the timetable.

“It’s so important for communities that we need time to make sure that we get this right,” she said.

“I do accept that part of the Bill needed to be rushed for the proxy purchase, but the rest of it, we should have been given adequate time to scrutinise it.”

Scottish Tory MSP, Jamie Greene, reminded Ms Mcneill that the stage two deadline for staging an amendment to the legislation is May 19.

Ms Mcneill responded: “I have to say, as a legislator, it’s totally unacceptable.”

“We should have been given adequate time to scrutinise Bill